Host Angola trounces Mali to win 12th AfroBasket title

LUANDA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Angola lifted the championship trophy for a record 12th time at the 31st AfroBasket tournament, defeating Mali 70-43 on Sunday before a sold-out home crowd of 12,700.

Since making its AfroBasket debut in 1964, Mali reached the final for the first time this year.

The game began with high intensity as Angola gained an early edge through strong inside play. It soon developed into a physical back-and-forth contest with frequent fouls, but Angola ended the first quarter ahead 14-10.

Angola broke the game open in the second quarter with a 10-1 run. Mali struggled from beyond the arc, was repeatedly blocked inside, and committed a series of turnovers and fouls that gave Angola additional scoring chances. By halftime, Angola led by 12 points and extended its advantage after the break, cruising to a comfortable victory.

Angola's 1.67-meter point guard Childe Dundao hit three 3-pointers and finished with 16 points, four rebounds and five assists. He was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

In the third-place game, Senegal overpowered Cameroon 98-72 to claim bronze for the second straight tournament.

The Lions established control early with sharp passing and effective offense, building a 28-14 lead in the first quarter and extending the margin to 21 points by halftime. They maintained dominance in the second half, hitting 14 3-pointers overall and outrebounding Cameroon 48-37.

Four Senegal players scored in double figures, led by Jean-Jacques Boissy with a game-high 40 points, including eight 3-pointers. Brancou Badio added 18 points, five rebounds and four assists, including four shots from beyond the arc. ■